Rossum Electro-Music / Panharmonium Black

It generates and modifies sound by analyzing the spectral content of the input signal and driving an oscillator bank of up to 33 oscillators.

Panharmonium is an oscillator module that generates sound by analyzing the spectral content of any audio signal. Developed by Rossum Electro-music software architect Bob Bliss (who also created the EOS operating system for E-MU samplers), Panharmonium is an innovative module that creates sound in a way that has never been done before.

The input audio signal is analyzed by the built-in spectrum analyzer, and the analysis results are used to generate sound by driving an oscillator bank of up to 33 oscillators. Panharmonium can accurately reproduce the input spectrum in real time according to various control settings, and can also modify it in very unique ways. The intuitive interface creates interaction with the performance.

Panharmonium's input can be anything from a single oscillator to a mix including vocals. Panharmonium opens up entirely new sonic possibilities, from lush, undulating pads and drones that change with the input spectrum, to clock-syncable spectral arpeggiation and as-yet-unnamed harmonic effects.

Panharmonium can also create a snapshot of the spectrum at a given moment and use it as a complex harmonic oscillator, which can then be modified and adjusted with all of Panharmonium's other controls.

Panharmonium creates magical effects with a combination of functional submodules.

Spectral Analyzer
The Spectral Analyzer is a tool for defining the analysis process.

The SLICE parameter sets the rate at which the input audio signal is converted into spectral data. It can be set with the SLICE and MULTIPLIER controls, the TAP button, or an external clock signal. Very short SLICE times give you real-time spectral data, while longer times create rhythmic spectral patterns.

The CENTER FREQ and BANDWIDTH controls (and associated CV input and attenuator) control the range of frequencies that are analyzed. The BANDWIDTH control allows you to control the range of bandpass type on the left side of the knob and notches on the right side of the knob. Sweeping the frequency with CV control and controlling the BANDWIDTH creates a wide range of sonic effects.

Clicking the Freeze button freezes the Spectral Integrator and holds the currently analyzed spectrum.

Spectral Modifiers

These controls allow you to creatively modify the analyzed spectrum.

The VOICE parameter allows you to select the number of oscillators to use to resynthesize the spectrum, from 1 to 33.

The BLUR parameter (and associated CV input) is a spectral lag processor that controls how quickly the spectrum changes.

The FEEDBACK control allows you to feed the resynthesized audio back into the entire processing chain, resulting in feedback sounds that can range from subtle to dramatic. At maximum value the output remains autonomous even if the audio input is removed.

OSCILLATOR BANK
The OSCILLATOR BANK resynthesizes the analyzed spectrum.

The WAVEFORM parameter selects the oscillator waveform. Includes sine, triangle, sawtooth and pulse waveforms plus two special crossfaded sine and crossfaded sawtooth waves.

The FREQ control adjusts the oscillator pitch over a range of +/- 7 semitones. Frequency is further controlled by the 1V/Oct input, FM input and attenuator.

The OCTAVE control shifts the output pitch by an octave.

The GLIDE parameter sets the amount of polyphonic glide. (Each oscillator has its own independent glide circuit.)

MIX (and associated CV input) sets the balance between the original audio signal and the resynthesized audio.

OPTIONAL FEATURES
Several optional features can be selected using the OUTPUT MODE and TAP buttons.

Holding down the OUTPUT MODE button and adjusting the SLICE control activates DRUM MODE, which is optimized for spectral analysis of drums and other percussive sounds.

Holding down the OUTPUT MODE button and adjusting the FREQ control activates SPECTRAL WARPING. In contrast to traditional frequency control, which maintains the harmonic relationship between spectral elements, SPECTRAL WARPING shifts harmonic elements individually, producing a variety of metallic sounds and dense textures.

Holding down the TAP button and adjusting the FREQ control quantizes the frequency control in semitones.

Spectral Memories and Presets
Panharmonium offers 12 user spectral memories and 12 user presets.

Spectral memories can store up to 12 user-created frozen slices. When selected, a spectrum up to 33 oscillators wide replaces all live inputs, and the 1V/Oct input and FM control control the pitch.

A preset is a snapshot of all the settings of a module along with the CV values ​​present at the time it was saved.

Width: 26HP
Depth: 25mm
Current Draw:
+12V: 140mA
-12V: 30mA